As parents, we’re always seeking out new places that offer something for the entire family, striking that (oh so) fine balance between delicious, healthy fare that appeals to everyone; play-based activities for the children (leaving us with a few moments of peace); and a relaxed, casual setting.
And Sweet Poppy, a new restaurant in Pakkred, Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok, hits that very sweet spot: wonderful food inspired by Australia’s dynamic mix of cultures and cuisines, green outdoor play spaces for the kids, and an ultra-chill, resort-like vibe. Add an extensive drink menu consisting of freshly blended smoothies and juices, coffee (in the storied Melbourne tradition), and cocktails, beers, and wine — and you’ve got the winning formula for some effortless down time.
Central to Sweet Poppy are the indoor dining room, a juice bar, and an open-air cafe overlooking lush tropical gardens, replete with a special variety of soft, hypoallergenic grass that isn’t itchy, inviting kids to go barefoot. The gardens also house a play area, comprised of a climbing structure of wood and rope, swings with safety harnesses for little ones, slides, a water play station, and a sand pit — all in calm natural hues and materials. From the cafe, parents have good visibility of their children who can roam and play freely, running back to their table when needing to refuel. Nearby, there are kid-sized toilets and sinks as well as baby changing facilities.
Elsewhere on the premises, children can explore a small field with a chef’s garden. This can be used for parties, gatherings, and movie nights. A private air-conditioned room serves as a multi-purpose space for yoga classes, kids’ birthday parties, company meetings, exhibits, workshops, and more.
The all-day menu features small plates such as burrata with jamon serrano; hummus quinoa crackers and warm honey olives; and salt-baked beetroot with goat cheese, blueberries, pistachio, and sherry vinegar. Popular brunch dishes include avocado on toast with tomato, feta, and basil; poached eggs with hummus, avocado, roast peppers, and quinoa tabbouleh; and ricotta hot cakes with candied banana, whipped ricotta, walnuts, honeycomb, and maple butter. The more substantial offerings are BBQ butterflied prawns with lemon, garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika butter; duck leg confit with green lentils, frisee, pear, and saffron chutney; and organic pork chop with charred cabbage, cauliflower puree, hoisin, and ginger. You get the picture…
And if you have room for dessert, we’d recommend everything we sampled: pavlova, baked cheesecake, apple crumble with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate mousse, and panna cotta.
A separate kids’ menu provides a range of eats, from light bites like a toasted and oozy ham and cheese sandwich, organic chicken wings, and juicy pork meatballs, to heartier dishes such as pastas, grass fed beef burgers, chicken schnitzel, and fish & chips.
All the ingredients are sustainably sourced and in most cases, organic. The kitchen also caters to various dietary needs, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Patrons can also take a bit of Sweet Poppy home with them. An on-site shop sells homemade bread, picked vegetables, pasta sauce, organic ketchup, granola, and duck rillettes, as well as curated housewares like baskets from Kenya, bespoke tableware from Australia, and marble cheeseboards from Indonesia, among other things. Fresh flowers and hampers will be available soon.
It is apparent that a huge amount of thought and heart went into this venture, from the design and layout to the menu, making it a haven for families. For a much needed break from Bangkok, without actually having to travel very far from the city centre, head over to Sweet Poppy. Eat well, have a drink or two, and unwind while your kids play happily (and hopefully tuck into some wholesome food, too).
For more info, please visit Sweet Poppy’s facebook page or website.
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